Lotto Max: Toronto man doesn't check coworker's text to find out he's won the jackpot

Ever forget to check your messages? For one recent Lotto Max winner, it meant not finding out that he won a $94,468.60 jackpot.

Kenneth Dolbel was recently among a group of three coworkers from the Greater Toronto Area who won the second prize in the Feb. 17 draw. Together, alongside Kiplyn Mckinson, Antonio Lanzillotta, they’d been playing together for over 25 years. For Dolbel, the win came as a surprise, especially after not tuning into his phone for the news.

“I didn't see the message until the next day when Antonio called me and told me to check my texts,” said Dolbel, who's from Toronto.

“I just give Kiplyn $2 every week so we can play together. I never expected to win!"

The lucky ticket was purchased at Quick Pick Convenience on Sandalwood Parkway in Brampton, Ont., and it landed the trio a win that would make their dreams come true.

"I decided to check our ticket on the OLG App, and I heard the winning music play,” shared Kiplyn while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto.

“I looked at the screen and thought we won $94 — but when I took a closer look I realized we won $94,468! I sent Antonio and Kenneth a picture of the ticket to double check," said Kiplyn while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto.

Lanzillotta saw the message from his friend, and couldn’t believe they had won.

“I thought it was a joke,” he said. “But when I checked the numbers online, I knew it was true!”

The winning numbers for the Feb. 17 draw were 10, 12, 23, 26, 39, 41, 45 and a Bonus of 42. The trio scored six out of the seven numbers, plus the bonus which led them to their win.

For the group of three, the win means they can continue to accomplish their dreams.

Kiplyn plans to complete some home renovations, whereas Lanzillotta will share his win with his children and do some home renovations. Dolbel also plans to share with his children and get a new TV for his basement.

Lotto Max players in Ontario have won over $7.6 billion since 2009, including 96 jackpot wins and 843 Maxmillions prizes across the province. Lotto Max is $5 per play and draws take place on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Tools to stop gambling

If you're looking to take a break from gambling, self-exclusion programs can be effective tools. See here for resources that are available across Canada.

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